Helping cancer survivors quit smoking and reduce distress through telehealth
Official title: Reducing distress and tobacco smoking in cancer survivors: a TDCS telehealth study
Funded at Wake Forest University Health Sciences · NIH-10680370 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new way to help cancer survivors quit smoking and feel better by using a special brain stimulation treatment they can do at home with support from doctors online.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Wake Forest University Health Sciences NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Winston-Salem, United States) |
| Project start | August 15, 2022 |
| Project end | July 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $197,667 |
| NIH project number | 5R21DA055426-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10680370 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are cancer survivors who smoke and experience psychological distress related to their diagnosis.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not smoke or those who are not cancer survivors may not receive any benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates a new approach to help cancer survivors quit smoking and manage psychological distress using a technique called remotely supervised transcranial direct current stimulation (RS-tDCS). Participants will receive this brain stimulation treatment at home, monitored by clinicians through telehealth visits. The study aims to evaluate the feasibility of this method and its effects on reducing distress and smoking behavior among cancer survivors. By focusing on the unique challenges faced by this population, the research seeks to provide a tailored intervention that can be easily accessed and integrated into their care.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide cancer survivors with an effective tool to quit smoking and improve their mental health.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using brain stimulation techniques for addiction treatment, suggesting potential success for this novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Wake Forest University Health Sciences
Winston-Salem, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Addicott, Merideth a. — Wake Forest University Health Sciences
- Study coordinator: Addicott, Merideth a.
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.